Rams say Eric Dickerson is always welcome on their sideline

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Los Angeles Rams head coach Jeff Fisher walks the sideline during an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints in New Orleans, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016. (Chris HellerThe Houma Daily Courier via AP)

By:Greg BeachamThe Associated Press Published on

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. — The Los Angeles Rams want Eric Dickerson to know he's welcome anytime on their sideline or just about anywhere else he wants to go.

Rams COO Kevin Demoff tweeted reassurance at the Hall of Fame running back on Monday, shortly after Dickerson claimed he was no longer allowed on the sideline due to his criticism of the team.

Coach Jeff Fisher doubled down during his weekly news conference, saying Dickerson is welcome to attend practice or sit in on team meetings with the Rams (4-7). Fisher had a warm phone conversation with Dickerson just last week, he said.

"I don't know where that's coming from with Eric," Fisher said. "He's always welcome. He's welcome in the building. I'd love to have him come in. I'd love to have him come to practice. I'd love to have him come into meetings. I mean, Eddie George has been in my meetings more than Eric Dickerson has. I'd love to have him here."

Dickerson made the claim on his radio show on KLAC-AM, saying he had been told by an unnamed Rams official that he makes the players uncomfortable because of his criticism of the team. Dickerson worked as a Rams broadcaster during the preseason, and he does a weekly 2-hour radio show largely about the relocated franchise, which has lost six of its last seven games to fall to 4-7.

Demoff said he reached out to Dickerson to find out how any miscommunication could have occurred. The executive insisted Dickerson is "a valued member" of the Rams' "family."

"We all share his love for our team and our fans," Demoff tweeted.

Dickerson played his first four-plus NFL seasons with the Rams, setting the NFL's single-season rushing record with 2,105 yards in 1984 while they played in Anaheim. He lives in the Los Angeles area and remains a beloved figure to football fans at the Coliseum, where dozens of his replica jerseys still appear at every Rams home game.

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